Northern Illawarra residents were rewarded for shopping locally last month in what has become an annual buy local campaign by the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC).

President Pauline Lacelles-Smith, of the Otford Pantry, oversaw the drawing of winners of May Money Madness at the June meeting also attended by NSW Business Chamber Illawarra relationship manager Margot Griffith.

Mrs Lacelles-Smith said there were thousands of entries in 2014.

She said the chamber ran the campaign around Easter each year because its members knew ongoing support and patronage from local residents was the life-blood for small business.

The added bonus was they got invaluable information from the feedback provided.

Locals and visitors clearly know what they are supporting because each business prominently displays a NICC logo sticker and encourage participants to fill out an entry form when they spend more than $20.

This year there were three significant prizes awarded to local shoppers.

The $1000 first prize, made up of 50 $20 vouchers to spend at participating businesses, was won by Andy Offord, of Helensburgh, who shopped at the Otford Pantry.

The $500 second prize of 25 vouchers was taken out by Michelle Cotton, of Helensburgh, who shopped at Helensburgh Car Services.

And a $300 third prize of 15 vouchers went to Les Nicholas, of Helensburgh, who shopped at Centennial Hotel.

Gavin Little, of Cliff to Coast Sports Car Drives, spoke about his new business that takes people on Porsche scenic drives along Wollongong's coast.